Hicks: Elmo gets backing by Hasbro

The toy company that makes all sorts of Elmo items won't stop because of the controversy surrounding Kevin Clash -- the puppeteer behind the squeaky-voiced furry icon who abruptly resigned from Sesame Workshop after being accused of an inappropriate relationship with a minor.

"'Sesame Street' and its wonderful characters have been entertaining and educating children and families for more than 40 years," a Hasbro spokeswoman told E! News. "We are confident that Elmo will remain an integral part of 'Sesame Street' and that 'Sesame Street' toys will continue to delight children for years to come."

Translation: "We are confidant that Elmo will continue to make us truckloads of cash for years to come."

The beloved Muppet monster will line shelves in a variety of forms for preschoolers this holiday shopping season, including Ready for School Elmo doll, Sesame Street Playskool Let's Rock set, and one of the toy manufacturing giant's biggest sellers, the Playskool Sesame Street LOL Elmo.